Portray

Definition

Portray primarily means to depict someone or something in a work of art or literature.

Parts of Speech

• Verb: portray (e.g., "The film portrays the life of the famous inventor.")

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pɔrˈtreɪ/
• Respelling: por-TRAY (with "por" as in "portal," and "TRAY" as in "tray")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pɔːˈtreɪ/
• Respelling: por-TRAY (similar to American English, with "por" as in "portal," and "TRAY" as in "tray")

In both dialects, "portray" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "TRAY." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, emphasizing the clear articulation of the "TRAY" part.

Etymology

Derived from the Old French word "portraire", which means "to draw" or "to depict". By the late Middle English period, it evolved into "portray", emphasizing the action of illustrating or representing.

Derivatives

• Portrayer
• Portrayal
• Unportrayed
• Misportray
• Reportray

Synonyms

• Depict
• Illustrate
• Represent

Antonyms

• Distort
• Obscure
• Misrepresent

Usage

"Portray" is commonly used in contexts where someone or something is being represented, especially in art, literature, or drama. It emphasizes the act of showing or describing someone or something in a particular way.

Related Terms

• Depiction
• Illustration
• Representation
• Image
• Caricature

Detailed Definition

Verb

• To represent or describe someone or something in a painting, film, book, or other artistic medium.
• Example: "The artist portrays the queen with a gentle smile."

• To describe or show something in a particular way.
• Example: "The media often portrays celebrities in a sensational manner."